Preparing for Orientation

Good morning! While Kevin is off working today, I thought that I would share some of the things that Kevin and I are doing to prepare for our orientation with MAF. Orientation with MAF is two weeks long and it is held in Nampa, ID. It will begin July 11th (Kevin's birthday). After orientation, there will be a security training the following week. Finally, there will be a two week long fundraising training. So, what are we doing to prepare ourselves for this 5 week journey?

First and foremost - prayer! Isaiah 58:11 says, "The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail." This has become our current prayer that God will help us on our journey. We will need His strength and His guidance. We would not be where we are today without Him.

Next, study time! MAF has asked that we read a book called "Funding Your Ministry" by Scott Morton and to do a study guide on it. The book has been a real eye opener as to how to think about fundraising. Thus far, my favorite part has to be the explanation about how fundraising is a spiritual ministry, not begging! It gives the example of how a man acted during a flood. He sat on the roof of his home during a flood and a boat came by for help. He told the would-be rescuer, "No thanks, God will save me." The boat came by three times in total before the man finally succumbed to the water and drowned. When he went to heaven he asked the Lord why He did not save him from the flood. The Lord said, "I sent you three boats!" During fundraising, our jobs are very clear and God's job is very clear and we have to realize the difference!  I am looking forward to the fundraising with my new point of view!

Third, homework! Kevin and I lack one class before we can go back. All we have to do is finish our paper for our class in Acts and take the test. This would be simple, except Kevin has been putting in double time at work. Kevin is the only person licensed to check off the planes and will be gone 5 weeks. Kevin does have a replacement, but he does not have everything needed to be Kevin's complete replacement. So, Kevin is working very hard to make sure that all of the planes on the charter will not need their annuals while he is gone. Where does that leave Kevin on his paper? No time! Bless his heart!

Finally, physically preparation! We have two cats and two dogs and a house that need to be taken care of while we are gone. We have friends Seth and Kelsey who are going to stay in our house. While I am not concerned about the care of the cats (if you own you, you understand they are independent), but I am concerned for my elderly dog Maggie. She requires medication twice a day and frequent attention. I know my friends will take care of her, but as a "mommy" I still feel bad about "leaving them."

So, as Kevin and I prepare for our journey, I am constantly praying Isaiah 26:8, that the Lord will make our path we travel a smooth one and that our journey is not a rough one! Please keep us in your prayers as we continue to finish the things here that need to be done before our next step in our journey!

Tasha